Running Shoe Review: Pearl Izumi Streak II

Before we get to my review, here is the info given on Pearl Izumi’s site:

The new Streak II has been completely overhauled this season to be even faster, lighter and more performance-oriented than ever. With a new lower profile midsole and lightweight upper, the Streak II is light enough for a 5K, but cushioned enough for a marathon. This is your new go-to PR shoe.

• 1:1 Seamless Upper creates an unparalleled fit with a seam-free interior
• 1:1 360° Lacing anatomically conforms to the foot for a tailored fit regardless of foot shape
• NEW 1:1 Energy Foam cushions the forefoot upon impact and then returns energy back to the runner
• Outsole-grade EVA and blown rubber outsole combines for great cushioning and weight savings
• Segmented forefoot for a smooth, efficient ride
• NEW Ortholite® sockliner for amazing step-in comfort and long-lasting cushioning
• NEW 100% recycled lace webbing and laces
• Heel/Toe offset: 19.0mm/10.0mm

Current price on Pearl Izumi’s website $110

I was really excited to try the Pearl Izumi Streak II.*  With that said, I have never considered Pear Izumi running shoes in the past.  Mostly beacause none of the local retailers that I frequent carry Pearl Izumi.  The other reason I have shied away from Pearl Izumi is (to be blunt) I think their advertising sucks.  In my day job I am a creative director for a marketing agency so, the ads are important to me.  Somebody at Pearl Izumi signed off on these ads so I figure it might reflect how they view their brand.  If you haven’t seen the ads they are bit on the elitist side boardering on dissmisive to any runner that isn’t crushing the races and making it to the podium every outing.  I love running for the simple fact that everyone can do it, and everyone can compete at their own level.  A CNBC piece about the ads can be seen here.

Let me step off the soap box and get back to the shoes.  From the moment I slipped my foot into the Streak II I was surprised how great the shoe felt.  It is super light at 7.8 oz for a size 10, but still feels a bit cushy under the foot.  The Streak II’s seamless sockliner fit my foot like a glove.  From the first run I took in the shoe I was sold.  The Streak II feels great through my mid-foot stride, minimal with just enough cushioning to soften the foot falls.  I haven’t tried Vibrams Five Fingers or Merrell’s Glove, but the Streak II is about as minimal as I would like to go.  Pearl Izumi is marketing the shoe as a racing flat.  I used the Streak more like a trainer.  I put 50 miles on the shoe before writing this review, some of those runs included 14-16 mile runs.  Even after the longer runs my feet and legs felt great.  That is why for me, the Streak II is a perfect shoe to cycle into my training runs.

I really don’t have any complaints about the shoe other than, I had to replace the laces because the laces that came with the shoes were way too long.  I don’t think the shoe works as a racing flat for me, I had better times on my speed work wearing my Brooks ST5s and my Saucony Fastwitch 5s.

Try something different and give the Pearl Izumi Streak IIs a go.

Check out the dailymile team’s review of the Streak IIs

For another opinion on the Pearl Izumi Streak II check out Mark’s review on FocoRunner

*Pearl Izumi provided the Steak IIs with the intention of getting a review.  There was no financial compensation for the review.